Being a veterinarian is a vocation. From a young age, many of us dream of caring for and saving animals, relieving their suffering, and improving their quality of life. However, what most people don’t see is the sacrifice this profession entails and the lack of recognition we often encounter.
More and more, veterinarians are being labeled as people whose only interest is money. We are accused of seeking profit at the expense of animal welfare, as if our primary motivation were financial rather than our love for the profession. This perception is profoundly unfair and demoralizing for those of us who dedicate our lives to veterinary medicine.
To become veterinarians, we study intensely for years at university, acquiring complex knowledge that covers multiple species and physiological systems. Once we graduate, the learning doesn’t stop: we invest time and money in specializing, attending conferences, and staying up to date with medical advancements. We do all this out of our own pockets, with an effort that few professions demand, without it translating into fair financial recognition.
Despite the high level of training required for our work, veterinarians are among the lowest-paid professionals with the least job stability. Most of us work exhausting shifts, handle emergencies, endure sleepless nights, and bear the emotional burden of dealing with terminal illnesses and euthanasia. It’s no surprise that our profession has one of the highest rates of depression and suicide. The emotional and financial pressure, combined with the lack of appreciation for our work, is pushing many colleagues to their limits.
It is important to remember that, although we love our profession, it is a job like any other. We have the same expenses as everyone else: rent, bills, food, family… We work out of vocation, yes, but also because we need to make a living. No one expects a doctor, lawyer, or architect to work for free for the good of society; so why is this expected of veterinarians?
Society needs to change its perception of our profession. We need respect, recognition, and, above all, understanding. We are not merchants of animal health; we are doctors with a deep sense of duty and a tremendous responsibility on our shoulders. Appreciating our effort, valuing our work, and understanding that we also have the right to a dignified life is the first step in building a fairer relationship between veterinarians and society.
